York County approves hazmat grant application amid resident safety concerns

York County, South Carolina, is seeking a $25,000 federal grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation's Hazardous Materials Emergency Preparedness program to bolster its emergency response capabilities. The County Council approved the application amidst heightened safety and environmental concerns raised by local residents regarding industrial facilities, particularly the QTS Data Center currently under construction and the Silfab Solar plant. Residents, including Fort Mill's Scott Jensen and Steve Penland, who owns a Christmas Tree Farm adjacent to the QTS site, argue that the $25,000 grant is insufficient to address the potential dangers posed by "massive industrial sites." Concerns escalated after two chemical spills were reported at Silfab Solar in March, prompting worries about emergency response times and long-term impacts. While residents continue to express apprehension about materials used in data center operations and their environmental effects on businesses like Penland's farm, QTS has provided details on its safety measures. QTS states its data centers utilize a closed-loop cooling system that does not consume water once operational, ensuring no impact on local water supplies like Lake Wylie or the Catawba River Basin. The company also clarified that its emergency backup generators are not continuously run, are equipped with double-walled diesel storage tanks with leak monitoring, and high-efficiency filters to minimize emissions. QTS has committed to partnering with the York County Sheriff’s Office and York County Fire as primary emergency responders, ensuring they receive necessary training, equipment, and resources. However, Silfab Solar did not respond to requests for comment on its emergency protocols. Residents are urging county leaders to prioritize their safety when considering future industrial development.